Triumphrat

Keith G · 04-05-2008, 07:44 AM

If I gouge the clutch and pile on the power like trying to induce wheelspin in a car, when I pull away on my T100, I can get a clatter from somewhere down below. I don't think it's the chain and would suspect summat like weak springs in the clutch, but I got a local mechanic to check it and he said 'I can see what you mean, but I wouldn't worry about it!' He didn't think it was clutch springs.

I can easily avoid it with a smoother, less aggressive takeoff and I can turn it on and off on the throttle when it happens, so it's not a problem, but I'm curious. Has anyone else experienced this?

The bike still only has about 3K on it and is running very well generally with no knocking or clutch slip &c. - is it something someone's had and which went away with time, as the mechanic suggested it might?

Deacon · 04-05-2008, 10:50 AM

I have the same noise. If I accel from low speed in 1st or 2nd with 1/2 to 3/4 throttle I get a horrible rapping noise that seems to originate more from the left bottom of the engine. At first I thought it was knocking or pinging but you may be right about it being the clutch.
Maybe some one else has the answer. I have only 1600 mi on my '06 T100.

road dog · 04-05-2008, 11:55 AM

I'm no expert, but it sounds like a classic case of "clutch chatter" to me.

Per Auburn Gear FAQs, clutch chatter is defined as follows... Clutch chatter occurs when the clutch cone engages and disengages the case in rapid succession. This creates a noise called clutch chatter. Although noisy, it causes no damage and can be cured by using the correct oil and friction modifier.

I've heard that Royal Purple synthetic oil is recommemded for a possible cure to the chatter you're hearing.

CAPTDON · 04-05-2008, 06:29 PM

Dont hammer it till the clutch is all the way out! Sounds like clutch chatter as well? The clutch takes a beating on these bikes. The heat & constant friction. Not like a single dry clutch, always engaged a little no matter. I run mine to the limiter a lot. Dont "drop " the clutch tho. It'll last ma\ny miles if you dont abuse it!! These bikes are heavy, & the clutch & rubber cush in the rear hub take a workout on just reg hard accel! Be nice to them & they will return the favor!! I miss the old "wheelie days" but too old for that now anyway.
Want faster off the line- get a different sprocket?

Keith G · 04-05-2008, 08:19 PM

OK, thanks for the suggestions. I think it's going to be the simplest way out if I try to tidy my act up a bit - the point that the bikes are actually quite heavy is a good one, it's so easy to forget that when the injin's as willing as it is!

(I'm surprised at the mechanic though - they are a Ducati stockist and you would have thought they'd be clutch experts, wouldn't you!)